Video: Ford uses employees behind Escape features in new ad campaign

DEARBORN, MI-Ford Motor Co. will use some of its employees who helped create the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape to promote it.

The Dearborn-based automaker today announced a new ad campaign that will use actual Ford employees in four TV spots that showcase features of the vehicle.

“These are not actors; the new ads feature actual Ford employees, who bring an authenticity to the spots rarely offered to the consumer,” said Mike Gallagher, Marketing Communications manager. “This personalizes Ford’s Go Further campaign.”

The TV spots will each showcase an employee one of four features, including class-exclusive hands-free liftgate, 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, key design features with more cargo space and the MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Escape, which has been plagued by recalls, has been the fastest-turning vehicle on Ford lots since arriving in dealerships this summer, but also. According to Ford, more than half of Escapes sold have been the SEL or Titanium series, with nearly half of all buyers opting for the hands-free liftgate and 40 percent choosing the panoramic “Vista Roof.”

As part of the ongoing Escape campaign, Ford also will debut an episodic comedy series broadcast online called “Escape My Life” that feature the vehicle.

The show’s notable stars include standup comedian Natasha Leggero; actor Joe Lo Truglio, who appeared in “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express;” and “Zombieland” director Ruben Fleischer will direct the show.

“Escape My Life” will run for eight episodes on its own YouTube channel, as well as Hulu, AOL, MSN/Wonderwall, Glam Media, Tumblr, Facebook and other online outlets.

“‘Escape My Life’ is a thoughtful and respectful approach to how Ford and the Escape engage with the consumer – we are not talking at them, we are showing them the Escape and how it is used in daily life,” said Brock Winger, Ford digital marketing manager.